MERSEY Ports has completed a feasibility study into plans for a terminal to accommodate the world's biggest ships, called post-panamax because they are too big to pass through the Panama Canal.

Surveys and engineering studies have been carried out as well as financial estimates that put the cost of the scheme at £100m. Studies were completed by the end of April and the board now intends to discuss the way forward.

Iain Robertson, terminal manager, said: "It would give us the ability to attract business from areas such as India, Pakistan and the Far East and would double overall container capacity."

It has cost £3m in consultants fees to draw up the report, according to MD Gary Hodgson, who added: "It's a question of when, not if."

The plan forms part of Peel’s vision of an Ocean gateway masterplan with the region accessible to world markets through ports and airports. It will also be a key driver of new jobs, investment, development and environmental improvements.

Although world container trade has slipped dramatically – down 25% in Liverpool during the first quarter – Mersey Docks view is that the proposed development is a long-term project and will go ahead sooner or later.

The new super-port would double capacity and at the same time take 800,000 vehicle movements off the roads.